Native to Eastern Canada and Eastern and Central US, found mostly in Appalachian Mountains (Abrams, Basch, Catapang, Costa, Flanagan, Hashmi, Isaac, Smith, Ulbricht, Weissner & Woods, 2013, p.1). The name refers to the consistency of the inner bark when it is chewed or mixed with water (Abrams et al., 2013, p.1). Used traditionally by Native American Healers to treat irritated skin and mucus membranes (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2). Ground inner bark was often added to milk as a nutrient for infants and the chronically ill (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2). Poultices were also made from the bark and applied to bruises, minor burns and abrasions (Abrams et al., 2013, p.2).

Indications (contemporary)

Throat irritation (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2)

Gastritis (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2; Hoffmann, 2003, p. 591)

Colitis (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 591)

Ulcers (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2; Hoffmann, 2003, p. 591)

Nappy rash (topical) (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2)

Diarrhoea (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 591)

In contemporary herbal medicine the herb is used as an ingredient in a number of lozenges to sooth throat irritation (Abrams et al., 2013, p. 2).

Seen as simultaneously soothing and astringing the intestinal lining (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 591).